Washing Machine Not Draining? Check These Things First

Opening your washer door only to find soaked clothes sitting in murky water is frustrating. Before panicking, check these essential points:

1. Check the Coin Trap / Drain Filter: On modern front-load washers, a small access door at the bottom right houses a lint and coin filter. Unscrew it slowly over a shallow pan; you will frequently find coins, hairpins, or small socks trapped there. 2. Inspect the Drain Hose for Kinks: Ensure the washer hasn't been pushed back too hard against the wall, kinking the corrugated drain hose. 3. Test the Lid Switch / Door Lock: Washers will not initiate the drain or high-speed spin cycle if the control board senses the door is unlatched. 4. Listen to the Drain Pump Motor: When the drain cycle engages, do you hear a low humming sound without water moving? This indicates the impeller is jammed by a foreign object or the pump motor has burned out.

When in doubt, avoid running repeated cycles to prevent burning out your control board.